Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame inducts six new members

By Randy Lawrence, Media Director

LINCOLN, Neb. (Oct. 15, 2006) -- The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame held its annual induction ceremony on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Lincoln Firefighter's Reception Hall. A packed house was on hand as the class of 2006 was honored for their contribution to the sport of auto racing in Nebraska and throughout the United States.

The four living inductees -- Jack Beck, Gene Kidder, Charlie Martin and Kent Tucker -- were on hand for the event, each with a large entourage of family members and friends. Abe Slusky's son, Jerry, accepted the award for his late father and Hall of Fame board member Ray Valasek accepted for Clyde Baker.

The Gordie Shuck Memorial Sportsmanship Award was presented to Valasek for his tireless efforts to promote and preserve the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

Guest speaker Tom Sneva regaled the audience with tales of his racing and broadcasting careers. The 1983 Indianapolis 500 winner also spoke of the dedication and the attention to detail required to be successful in auto racing.

After the induction ceremony and bench racing had concluded, many of those in attendance were treated to a walk-through tour of the amazing Smith Collection Museum of American Speed.

The purpose of the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the memory of these individuals who have brought lasting fame to the State of Nebraska through their efforts in auto racing. Nominees to the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame must have been a resident of the State of Nebraska for at least two years and must be retired from the discipline they are being honored for four years. Active participants in the sport will be considered if they are 55 years of age and have been with the sport for at least 30 years. All candidates must have made positive contributions to the sport of auto racing on a local and regional level, with some national prominence. Anyone wishing to nominate a person to the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame can do so by submitting the person's name, with a list of their accomplishments to:

Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame
5527 S. 20th St.
Lincoln, NE 68512

Prospective nominees can also submitted by emailing jorth@narhof.com or by calling 402-421-2266.

The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is online at www.narhof.com.


The 2006 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Inductees: (L to R) Gene Kidder, Jerry Slusky accepting for
Abe Slusky, Ray Valasek accepting for Clyde Baker, Charlie Martin, Jack Beck and Kent Tucker.
(Photo by Randy Lawrence)